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Truman officials raise pedestrian-safety concerns after MnDOT speed study for Highway 15
Summary
Truman's Public Works superintendent reported MnDOT speed-study options that would raise Highway 15's posted speed in advance of planned crosswalks and digital speed signs; council asked staff to draft a letter requesting MnDOT keep the current limit or provide justification. The sidewalk project may be delayed until 2026.
Truman officials flagged pedestrian-safety risks after reviewing a MnDOT speed study tied to planned digital speed signs on Highway 15.
Public Works Superintendent Brent Brown reported MnDOT provided two options that would increase the posted speed limit as part of the speed-study results required for installing digital speed signs. Brown told the council it was unclear what basis MnDOT used to recommend increases, and he urged caution because the city’s sidewalk project includes new crosswalks on Highway 15.
Council consensus was to have staff draft a letter asking MnDOT either to keep the current speed limit or to provide information justifying the proposed increases; no formal council vote was taken on the speed-study recommendations during the meeting. Council members and staff also raised questions about who will be responsible for future maintenance of the crosswalks and the potential costs if the city is assigned that responsibility.
Other public-works items discussed included ash tree removal in the park and cemetery (about five trees in the park and seven in the cemetery this year, with the rest to be removed in 2026) and a plan to plant replacement trees next spring at an estimated $150 each, with cemetery and park reserve funds available to cover the cost. The council approved lowering the sale price for chip seal rock from $4 to $2 to dispose of excess inventory (motion by Councilor Danielle Williams, second by Councilor Chad Truax, unanimous). Council members asked staff to investigate two used-truck options: one priced at $45,000 (needs tires) and a former fire truck for $12,500, and directed staff to pursue additional leads.
Why it matters: changing posted speeds on a state highway where new crosswalks will be installed can affect pedestrian safety and local liability; the council sought justification from MnDOT before accepting a higher limit. The ash-tree removals and replacements and the rock-price reduction affect city maintenance budgets and park/cemetery conditions.
Next steps: city staff will draft and send a letter to MnDOT requesting retention of the current speed limit or data supporting any increase; construction on the Highway 15 sidewalk project is likely delayed until 2026 according to updates in the meeting.
